The man who tied his dog to a pole on a major highway as Hurricane Milton devastated Florida has been identified and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
Heartbreaking video saw the white pup with black ears terrified and growling as he stood in chest-deep water as police rescued the canine.
State Attorney Suzy López announced that the dog’s former owner has been identified as Giovanny García.
Garcia admitted to leaving his dog, which he named Jumbo, on I-75 while he was evacuating to Georgia because he couldn’t find anyone to pick up the puppy, he reported. WWSB.
‘In Hillsborough County, we take animal cruelty very seriously. “This defendant is charged with a serious crime and could face up to five years in prison for his actions,” Lopez said.
Heartbreaking video shows the white pup with black ears terrified and growling as he stood in chest-deep water as police rescued the canine.
Giovanny Aldama García has been accused of leaving his dog tied to a post as Hurricane Milton moved toward Florida.
‘Frankly, I don’t think it’s enough. Hopefully, lawmakers will take a look at this case and discuss changing the law to allow harsher penalties for people who abandon their animals during a state of emergency.’
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales received a tip about the animal and found it in a grassy area on the side of I-75 near Bruce B Downs Boulevard near Tampa.
“It’s okay, buddy, it’s okay,” the officer was heard saying as the dog tried to back away. ‘Okay, okay!’
When Morales approached the dog and realized it was trapped, it began growling while the small animal was submerged in water up to its chest.
Despite multiple attempts to comfort the dog, it continued to growl and eat.
“I don’t blame you,” the officer said. ‘It’s okay, buddy, it’s okay.
Eventually, the dog was brought to safety and given a clean bill of health by a veterinarian.
State Attorney Suzy López announced that the dog’s former owner has been identified as Giovanny García.
Garcia admitted to leaving his dog he named Jumbo on I-75 while evacuating to Georgia.
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales (left) received a tip about the animal and found it in the grassy area.
Staff at the Leon County Humane Society changed the dog’s name to Trooper because of “how much he’s been through” and “to honor those who saved him,” the WTSP.
‘We cannot imagine the situation that ended with him tied to this post and leaving him without hope. It’s hard to even think about how scared he must have been as the cars sped by, the water was up to his belly and the storm clouds darkened.’
Gov. Ron DeSantis praised the officer for his rescue efforts and applauded the state attorney for holding the dog abuser accountable.
“When Hurricane Milton was approaching, someone decided that somehow it would be good to take their dog and chain him to a pole on the interstate,” DeSantis said.
“We said you would be held accountable and you will be held accountable.”
